NCL becomes the official cruise line of the NHL

This is the first time in NCL history that it is partnering with a professional sports league and the first time the NHL is partnering with a cruise line.

Array of exclusive marketing rights

The new partnership provides an array of exclusive marketing rights and designations that will connect the NCL brand with the NHL and its fans through the NHL’s vast marketing, digital and social media channels. 

NCL will be presenting sponsor of the NHL’s weekly top goals content, which will culminate with the goal of the year. Fans can join the action by voting on NHL platforms for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize, a free NCL cruise.

NHL fans will also have the opportunity to engage with the cruise line at events such as NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Stadium Series and NHL Winter Classic with on-site activations, in-arena and in-stadium signage and more.

National US broadcast exposure

NCL will receive national US broadcast exposure on ESPN and TNT through digitally enhanced dasherboards (DED), the League’s advanced approach to dynamic dasherboard advertising during NHL’s regular season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

As part of the national US DED broadcast exposure, NCL will be the presenting sponsor of the first goal of the game with DED creative shown on every NHL broadcast on ESPN and TNT. Fans will also see the NCL brand displayed on camera in virtual slot in-ice ads during NHL regular season games and Stanley Cup Playoffs games broadcast on ESPN and TNT in the US.

Related:More of everything with NCL's new 'More at Sea' brand positioning

Shared passion

'The passion and excitement we see from [NFL] fans is truly contagious, and we share that same electrifying passion for traveling the globe and delivering more to see, more to do and more to enjoy for our guests,' said NCL's Adam Malone, chief marketing officer.

'Leveraging our award-winning DED signage and connecting the NCL brand to some of our most celebrated in-game moments helps build more excitement for our partnership in a way that is authentic to our fans,' said the NHL's Jason Jazayeri, VP business development.